Device useful in the manufacture of venetian blinds



June 21, 1955 J. A. ANDERLE 2,711,029

DEVICE USEFUL IN THE MANUFACTURE OF VENETIANBLINDS Filed Aug. 2, 1952 E 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR JOSEPH A. ANDERLE 4, mfifla,

HIS ATTORNEYS June 21, 1955 J. A. ANDERLE 2,711,029

DEVICE USEFUL IN THE MANUFACTURE OF VENETIAN BLINDS Filed Aug. 2, 1952 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR JOSEPH A. ANDERLE HIS ATTORNEYS DEVICE USEFUL IN THE MANUFACTURE OF VENETIAN BLINDS Application August 2, 1952, Serial No. 302,397 I 7 Claims. (Cl. 33174) This invention relates to a gauge for facilitating the fast and accurate formation of terminal loops on the branches of Venetian blind ladder tape.

Ladder tapes for Venetian blinds are made in indeterminate lengths, the cross tapes or ladder rungs extending between the tape branches or longitudinals at uniform intervals. During manufacture or retaping (replacement of ladder tapes) of Venetian blinds, the ladder tapes are cut to a predetermined length and loops are often formed on the ends of tape branches for attachment of the tapes to the bottom bar and tilt mechanism. These loops may be formed by folding the end of each tape branch back upon itself to form a terminal loop, each such folded-back end of the ladder tape branch then being secured to the branch, as by stapling. In certain Venetian blind constructions, terminal loops are required at both the top and bottom of the ladder tapes, and in other constructions loops at the top only are required.

For proper operation of the blind, the terminal loops must be formed at precisely the proper distance from the last cross tape. The loops at the top of the tape must support the tape so that the topmost slat is the proper distance below the head bar. Then, when the slat is tilted to blind-closed position, the upper edge of the slat will lightly engage against the underside of an enclosed head bar, the slat neither binding against the head bar so as to prevent complete closing of the blind nor leaving a light crack below the head bar when the'blind is closed.

It is usually desired that the bottom or lowermost bar of a Venetian blind lightly contact the window sill, except when hold-down brackets are used to pivotally receive the ends of the bottom bar. In the interests of obtaining the proper fitting of a Venetian blind in a particular window, the spacing of the terminal loops at the bottom of the ladder tapes from the lowermost cross tape is usually not held uniform but is varied according to window requirements. However, it is imperative that all of these loops be uniform; and, Whether or not holddown brackets are used, the spacing of these loops must be precise.

The gauge of the present invention is useful for the proper and rapid formation of these terminal loops. The gauge is simple and inexpensive, and is particularly useful in small shops and in home Venetian blind installation and retaping. I

The gauge of the present invention is formed of a sheet metal stamping comprising a. body portion adapted to be held in one hand, there being a first loop-forming and-receiving finger projecting laterally from a side edge of the body adjacent one end thereof. A second tapeguiding-and-gauging finger projects laterally from the same side edge of the body parallel to the first finger, the second finger serving to engage a referencerung of the ladder tape adjacent the end thereof and lying at a predetermined distance from the first finger, so that the loop may be formed by folding the tape over the first finger and securing it to the body of the tape branch, the

States Patent "0 bottom of the tape branches at any selected one of a number of different predetermined distances.

' Among the objects of the present invention are to provide a simple and inexpensive gauge for facilitating the formation of terminal loops in Venetian blind ladder tape, to provide such a gauge that may be used for forming such loops for various types of blinds, and to generally improve such gauges.

My invention is clearly defined in the appended claims. In the claims, as well as in the description, parts are at times identified by specific names for clarity and convenience, but such nomenclature is to be understood as having the broadest meaning consistent with the context and with the concept of my invention as distinguished from the pertinent prior art. The best form in which I have contemplated applying my invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings forming part of this specification, in which:

Fig. l is a fragmentary front elevation of the righthand end of a Venetian blind as viewed from the inside of a room in which the blind is installed.

Fig. 2 is an isometric view of a ladder tape of the blind shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is an isometric view of the gauge of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a somewhat diagrammatic, isometric view of such gauge with a ladder tape branch engaged therewith, this view showing one step in an early part of the process of forming a top loop in the tape branch.

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 4, but showing a later stapling step in the loop-forming process.

Fig. 6 is a view similar to Figs. 4 and 5 showing trimming of the excess end of the tape branch after securing the loop.

Fig. 7 is an isometric view similar to Figs. 4, 5, and 6, after trimming of the tape branch.

Fig. 8 is a somewhat diagrammatic, isometric view of the gauge of the present invention showing a ladder tape branch engaged therewith, this view showing the forming of a loop on the lower end of the tape branch for engagement with the bottom bar.

Fig. 9 is a view similar to Fig. 7 showing the formation of a loop on a ladder tape for a different head bar requiring a somewhat shorter spacing between the last cross tape and the loop.

Referring now to the drawings, Fig. 1 shows the right-hand end portion of a Venetian blind of the socalled enclosed head bar type having a head bar 10 formed of a sheet metal channel which receives and more or less encloses the operating mechanism of the blind. Ladder tapes, one tape 11 being shown, are suspended through slots (not shown) in the bottom wall of the head bar and support the slats l2 and a bottom bar 14 of the blind. The tapes 11, one of which is shown in Fig. 2, comprise two longitudinal tape branches 15, 15 connected at uniform intervalsby cross tapes or rungs 16, the cross tapes preferably being connected on. alternate sides of the longitudinal center line of the tape branches, in accordance with usual practice.

The upper and lower ends of the tape branches 15, 15 are folded back upon themselves to form terminal loops,

the loops at the top of the tape being designated as 17, 17

and the loops at the bottom of the tape being designated 3 as 18, 18. The loops may be secured by uniting the folded-back portion of the tape branch to the rest of the tape branch by any means, preferably by deformable wire staples.

Proper operation of the blind requires that the topmost loops 17, 17 of the ladder tape must be a predetermined distance from the topmost cross tape 16, upon which the topmost slat 12 of the blind is supported. If this distance is too short, upon tilting the slats of the blind to closed position, the upper edge of the topmost slat will bind against the underside of the head bar so as to hinder or prevent complete closing of the blind; and, if the spacing of the loops from the topmost cross tape is excessive, there will be an objectionable, lightadmitting gap between the upper edge of the topmost slat 12 and the bottom wall of the head bar. Accordingly, this distance must be precise and must be uniform for all the tape branches of a particular blind, so that the slats will be supported horizontally.

Likewise, the loops 13, 18 at the bottom of the ladder tapes of any particular blind must be spaced a uniform distance from the last or bottom cross tape. This distance is often varied as required for individual window dimensions in order to obtain a better fitting blind in which the bottom bar will rest lightly on the window sill when the blind is in slat-level position. Moreover, particularly when hold down brackets are used in connection with a blind having a certain plastic Venetian blind ladder tape, which is currently being manufactured and which has very little stretch, the height of the bottom bar above the window sill becomes very vital in proper operation of the blind and the terminal loops must be very accurately formed .at both the top and bottom of the ladder tape.

The ladder tape gauge 20 of the present invention is for the purpose of facilitating the rapid and accurate formation of the terminal loops in Venetian blind ladder tape at the proper spacing from the topmost andbottommost cross tapes so as to provide tapes that may be incorporated in blinds that will function properly and that will accurately fit a window opening. This gauge, which is best shown in Fig. 3, preferably comprises a sheet metal stamping, the gauge consisting :of an elongated, flat, rectangular member having a perpendicular marginal flange .21. For convenience, a flange 22 parallel to the main portion of the member and extending from the flange 21 may be provided to serve as a convenient handle for holding the gauge. 7

A series of notches are provided in the member extending towards the flange 21 from the opposite edge of the member and defining a series of spaced, generally parallel fingers projecting perpendicularly of the flange. The notch adjacent one end of the gauge is preferably provided with inwardly converging, straight edges so as to form a loop-forming finger 24 of substantially uniform width throughout its length (marked LOOP), the finger 24 being separated from the adjacent finger 25 by a ti angular notch, the edge of the finger 25 removed from the finger 24 being parallel thereto.

A series of intermediate fingers 27 are defined by parallel slots formed in the gauge and extending inwardly towards the marginal flange 21, these fingers being of generally uniform width throughout their length and extending parallel to the loop-forming finger .24. Prob.

erably, the slots defining these fingers do not extend quite to the flange 21, so as to leave fillets to reinforce the fingers 24 against bending. For convenience of use, the

distance of the lower edge of one or more of the fingers of the gauge from the upper edge of the finger 24 may be indicated on the flange 22.

The end of the gauge 20 removed from the loopforming finger 24 is provided with .at leastone finger 29 which may be generally similar in form to the finger .25, the finger or fingers 29 having an edge .30 removed from. the finger 24 extending parallel to such finger and being.

separated from the finger adjacent to finger 29 by a triangular or converging notch which extends completely to the marginal flange 21.

In the gauge specifically shown herein, fingers 25 and 29, 29 all are broad-surfaced, and have their free ends of a width markedly exceeding that of each of the intermediate fingers 27. The broad surfaces of fingers 29, 29 aid in guiding the ladder tape branch. The broad-surfaced finger 25 next adjacent the loop-forming finger 24 aids the operator in grasping the ladder tape branch during the manipulations of it shown in Figs. 4 and 5. The converging notch, having the root 26, between the fingers 24 and 25, has a width at the root markedly exceeding the width of the notches between the intermediate fingers 27. The substantial width of that converging notch facilitates stapling the loop in the manner shown in Fig. 5 without likelihood of having either staple deformed against either of fingers 24 and 25 instead .of being closed in the proper manner against the anvil of the stapler.

The gauge .20 is used as shown in Figs. 4-7 in the forming of loops at the top of Venetian blind ladder tape. Referring to Fig. 4, each ladder tape branch is in turn entered into the gauge 20, the two topmost cross tapes having first been cut from the ladder tape branches in accordance with usual practice. The ladder tape branch 15 is inserted in the gauge 20 so as to rest within the notch between the two fingers 29, 29, the tape branch resting over the end finger 29 and under the second finger 29., and the junction of the topmost remaining cross tape 16 with the tape branch being positioned against the edge 30 of the second finger 29. The end of the tape branch is then folded about the loop-forming finger 24 and then along the upper surface of the fingers 25 and 27, as indicated in Fig. 4, the end of the loop being held in position by the thumb of the operator. The inner edge of the tape branch 15 lies in the base of the notch between the fingers 29, 29 and against the marginal flange 21 adjacent the notch and also in the folded-over portion of the tape branch, the flange 21 serving as a guide to assist in properly positioning the tape branch for forming the fold right angles to the length of the tape.

The folded-back portion of the ladder tape branch 15 is then stapled, as indicated in Fig. 5, to secure the loop, a hand stapler being used, and preferably at least two staples 31, 31 securing the loop. The staples pass through :the notch between the loop-forming finger 24 and the next adjacent finger 25.

After the 10 1? has been secured, the excess end of e the tape branch 15 may be severed, using a pair of scissors, the completed loop then appearing as indicated in Fig. 7.. If preferred, the ladder tape branch may first :be removed from the tape gauge 20 before severing the'excess endof the tape.

The gauge. 20 of the present invention is used in a generally similar way for forming the loops at the bottom of the ladder tape branches. Referring to Fig. .8, the tape branch 15 is placed in the gauge as indicated, the tape branch passing over the fingers 29, 29 and under the other fingers, the last cross tape. having previously been cut from the ladder tape branches. The

tape branch is inserted within the gauge 20 with the last-remaining cross tape 16 between two of the intermediate fingers 27, the junction of the cross tape with.

the tape branch resting against the edge of the selected finger removed from the loop-forming finger 24. The

plurality of intermediate fingers 27 provides for forming r The tape branch is folded back on itself, stapled, and trimmed exactly as described in connection with the forming of the top loops 1'], 17 in the ladder tape, the flange 21 likewise serving as a guide to assure that the fold is at right angles to the length of the tape. By engaging the lowermost cross tape 16 with the same intermediate finger 27 in forming each loop at the bottom of the ladder tape, each ladder tape of a blind or group of blinds is formed to a uniform, selected length.

Certain types of head bars, in which the head bar channel is of less over-all height, require ladder tapes having a somewhat shorter spacing between the topmost cross tape 16 and the terminal loop 17. Fig. 9 illustrates the use of the gauge in forming terminal loops in ladder tape for blinds using such a head bar. Referring to Fig. 9, after the two topmost cross tapes have been severed from the tape branches, the tape branch end is entered in the gauge with the branch lying over the fingers 29, 29 and under the remaining fingers, the junction of the topmost-remaining cross tape 16 with the tape branch being engaged against the intermediate finger 27 furthest removed from the loop-forming finger 24. The loop is then formed, secured, and trimmed as above described.

The gauge of the present invention is of particular utility in small shops, in installation of stock blinds where it is necessary to shorten the blind somewhat, and in retaping of blinds in the home, and provides a simple, light, inexpensive implement for rapidly and accurately forming the loops.

I claim:

1. In the Venetian blind art, a gauge useful in the formation of terminal loops on the branches of ladder tapes, said gauge comprising: an elongated, flat, rectangular, platelike member having a perpendicular marginal flange extending along a longitudinal edge thereof, the member having a series of notches extending towards the flange from the opposite edge of the plate and defining a series of spaced, generally parallel fingers projecting perpendicularly from the flange, the finger at a first end of the member being a loop-forming finger of uniform width throughout its length and being separated from the next adjacent finger by a notch having inwardly converging walls, intermediate fingers of the series being defined by notches having parallel wallsv and at least one finger of the series on the second end of the member having the edge thereof which is further removed from the loop-forming finger lying parallel to such loop-forming finger.

2. A gauge as claimed in claim 1 in which a second flange extends from the opposite side of the marginal flange from the flat member and lies in a plane parallel thereto.

3. In the Venetian blind art, a gauge useful in the formation of terminal loops on the branches of ladder tapes, said gauge comprising: an elongated, flat, rectangular, platelike member having a perpendicular marginal flange extending along a longitudinal edge thereof, the member having a series of notches extending towards the flange from the opposite edge of the plate and defining a series of spaced, generally parallel fingers projecting perpendicularly from the flange, the finger at a first end of the member being a loop-forming finger of uniform width throughout its length and being separated from the next adjacent finger by a notch having inwardly converging walls, intermediate fingers of the series being defined by notches having parallel walls, and two fingers of the series adjacent the second end of the member each having the edge thereof which is further removed from the loop-forming finger lying parallel to such loopforming finger.

4. In the Venetian blind art, a gauge useful in the formation of terminal loops on the branches of ladder tapes, said gauge comprising: an elongated, flat, generally rectangular, plate-like member having a perpendicular marginal flange extending along a longitudinal edge thereof, the member having a series of notches extending towards the flange from the opposite edge of the plate and defining a series of spaced, generally parallel fingers projecting perpendicularly from the flange, the finger at a first end of the member being a loop-forming finger extending to the flange and being of uniform width throughout its length, the loop-forming finger being separated from the next adjacent finger by a notch extending to the flange and having inwardly converging walls, intermediate fingers of the series being defined by notches having parallel walls, and at least one finger of the series on the second end of the member having the edge thereof which is further removed from the loopforming finger extending inwardly to the flange and lying parallel to such loop-forming finger.

5. A gauge as claimed in claim 4, in which the finger next adjacent the loop-forming finger is broad-surfaced and has a width at its free end markedly exceeding that of each of the intermediate fingers.

6. In the Venetian blind art, a gauge useful in the formation of terminal loops on the branches of ladder tapes, said gauge comprising: an elongated, flat, generally rectangular, plate-like member having a perpen dicular marginal flange extending along a longitudinal edge thereof, the member having a series of notches extending towards the flange from the opposite end of the plate and defining a series of spaced, generally parallel fingers projecting perpendicularly from the flange, the finger at a first end of the member being a loop-forming finger extending from the flange and being of uniform width throughout its length, the loop-forming finger being separated from the next adjacent finger by a notch extending to the flange and having inwardly converging walls, intermediate fingers of the series being defined by notches having parallel walls, and two fingers of the series adjacent the second end of the member each having the edge thereof which is further removed from the loopforming finger extending to the flange and lying parallel to such loop-forming finger.

7. A gauge as claimed in claim 6, in which the finger next adjacent the loop-forming finger and the two fingers of the series adjacent the second end of the member are each broad-surfaced and have the width of their free ends markedly exceeding the width of the free ends of the intermediate fingers, and in which the width of the root of the notch between the loop-forming finger and the next adjacent finger markedly exceeds the width of the notches between the intermediate fingers of the series.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 387,966 Beckwith Aug. 14, 1888 1,048,333 Mishler Dec. 24, 1912 1,665,400 Bittner Apr. 10, 1928 1,858,252 Steinkamp May 17, 1932 2,659,980 Dunn Nov. 24, 1953 FOREIGN PATENTS 521,366 France July 11, 1921 

